Insect science trio conquers the Akkedis

The Kings of Neon – Alan Gordon, Gunther Katzke and Herman Fourie riding for Insect Science from Tzaneen conquered the annual gruelling 65 kilometre race for riders across the province which had to be cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic.

Within a few kilometres, the Kings of Neon started pulling away from the rest of the field and once the real climbing started, Alan picked up the pace, putting the pressure on and creating gaps between the Insect Science trio.

One of the riders, Herman Fourie, said it was probably the hardest climb he had ever done, reaching gradients at the steepest sections of over 20%.

“Each one of us knew we couldn’t take a moment to rest because the person behind would then make up that time.”

Herman said by halfway, Alan Gordon was out in front, followed by himself and then Gunther Katzke– and with a long descent of about 15kms coming up at the tail end of the race.

“We kept pushing hard. After 55km of racing, I started to cramp as we headed up the brutal climb for the second time until we saw Alan coming from the front shouting at us that we were on the wrong route and needed to turn around.

“For the first time ever I was relieved to be on the wrong route.”

Racing to get back onto the right route, the Kings of Neon were all back together, still at the front of the race and pushing hard even while they joked about a possible Insect Science sprint finish.

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With the finish almost in sight, travelling over 50km/h down a single-track and passing supporters and 35km route riders, Alan swerved for a rock and riding right behind him was Herman who didn’t have time to react and went over his handlebars, resulting in Gunther crashing into him.

“With less than a kilometre left to finish and the fourth placed rider in sight, I jumped up only to realise that I only had half a handlebar attached to my bike and Gunther had a broken Wahoo.”

Not prepared to give up the race, they climbed back on and were able to finish – without the sprint with Alan taking the win, followed closely by Gunther and Herman.

Although there were no women competitors in the marathon race, several women took part in the half-marathon (35km), with Tzaneen rider Anke Rood taking the overall honours riding with her father, Dick Rood, who won the Veteran Men’s category and Dalene van Zyl who won the Veteran Women’s category.

Several other Tzaneen riders also participated and earned podium places in the various categories.

“I think every rider appreciated the effort of the organizers for putting up a race in such a short period of time and giving us the opportunity to be able to race,” said Herman.